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October 18 - "Why Gather?"

 

Reflection Questions 

We gather around Jesus so that our lives can be reoriented around Jesus.

Jesus has made us a people. We gather to honor him, receive his Word and help one another follow him. Then we carry that life into the week. We keep coming because our hope is in the One who is faithful. Gather. Be renewed. Return. And gather again.

  1. What is something you missed about gathering with the church during the pandemic? Was there anything that surprised you about your experience of worshipping at home?
  2. Someone says, “I believe in Jesus, read Scripture, pray, and have Christian friends. Why does gathering with a church matter?” What do you appreciate about this question? How would you respond?

Gather

Read Colossians 3:1–4

  1. Before Paul tells these believers how to live, he reminds them of their life in Christ. What do these verses say about who Jesus is and who we are because of him?
  2. What difference can it make to confess Jesus as Lord alongside other believers? When has someone else’s faith helped you trust Jesus?

Be Renewed

Read Colossians 3:5–15

  1. What do you notice about the old life we are called to put off and the new life we are called to put on? Which of these changes require us to live alongside other people?
  2. Paul calls these believers “holy and dearly loved” before telling them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, and patience. How does that starting point shape the way we approach growth—and one another’s shortcomings?

Read Colossians 3:16

  1. What is shaping you right now? Consider the voices, expectations, experiences, or habits that influence what you value and how you see yourself.
  2. Paul describes Christ’s message dwelling richly “among you,” with believers teaching and admonishing one another. How does this help explain why we gather? What can we receive—and contribute—that goes beyond listening to teaching on our own?
  3. “The gathered church places us inside a confession that is larger than whatever we happen to be feeling in that moment.” When has hearing others sing, pray, or speak God’s truth helped you when you struggled to believe or respond?

Return and Gather Again

Read Colossians 3:17 and Hebrews 10:23–25

  1. Where do you need to carry what you receive in the gathering into ordinary life this week—at home, school, work, or elsewhere?
  2. Hebrews asks us to consider how to encourage one another. How might that change the question we bring to church from “What will I receive?” to also include “Who might need me here?” What could that look like this Sunday?
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